Gordon is a PhD student co-supervised by Drs. Jonathan Fisher and David Côté (DFO) at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. For his PhD research, Gordon is investigating the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for monitoring marine conservation areas and offshore environments in the Northwest Atlantic. Gordon’s research interests involve using genetic techniques to answer ecological questions, specifically on ecosystem ecology, fisheries ecology, and conservation biology.

Before starting his PhD, Gordon completed an Honours BSc in Marine and Freshwater Biology at the University of Guelph, Canada. His Honours focused on methods to successfully barcode freshwater microalgae to build a reference genetic database. Also, Gordon has held positions as an aquaculture research technician (Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre), fisheries technician (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) and laboratory assistant (University of Guelph), providing him with a broad range of skills and experiences.

Rachel is an MSc. student in Fisheries Science at the Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University. For her MSc. research, Rachel is studying Greenland sharks in the eastern Canadian Arctic and Subarctic Ocean using baited remote underwater video systems under the supervision of Dr. Jonathan Fisher.

Rachel’s research interests include population distribution and dynamics of marine megafauna species. She has participated in research expeditions in the Canadian Arctic Ocean, such as the ArcticNet Network aboard the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen, and collaborative ecosystem and fisheries surveys aboard the fishing vessel Kiviuq II with the Arctic Fishery Alliance.

Prior to her MSc. research, Rachel investigated North Atlantic right whale distribution patterns through the use of stable isotope analysis. She has also assisted in basking shark research in the Bay of Fundy with the Grand Manan Whale & Seabird Research Station, and numerous freshwater research projects in New Brunswick with the Canadian Rivers Institute.

Rachel received an Honours BSc. in Biology, concentrating in Marine Biology, at the University of New Brunswick, Canada.

Sebastian Glindtvad is a PhD student in CFER studying the trophic ecology and reproductive biology of Atlantic Halibut under the supervision of Jonathan Fisher and Arnault LeBris. Sebastian was born in Denmark and completed his undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Aarhus where he studied the effect of protein and sugar rich diets on Australian weaver ant workers.

He also travelled to Fiji and Thailand to volunteer and helped with underwater surveys and mangrove restoration.  Sebastian then completed his Master of Science degree in Biology at the University of Aarhus where he spent time in Norway and Greenland as part of his Master’s thesis.

Email: sebastian.glindtvad@mi.mun.ca

Simon-Pierre Hamel is originally from Québec City and is currently an MSc. student in fisheries science working under the supervision of Drs. Jonathan Fisher and Maxime Geoffroy. His research focuses on the connectivity between the seabed and the water column in the marine conservation areas of northern Newfoundland and southern Labrador and on the efficiency of those areas.

Simon-Pierre has a bachelor's degree in marine biology from the Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR). He worked for five years as a student for the Ministry of the Forest, Fauna and Parc of Québec (MFFP) and participated in various projects related to forestry and aquatic wildlife across the province. During this time, he developed many skills in fish collection, processing, acoustic telemetry, electrofishing and fisheries management.

Email: Shamel@mun.ca